Favorite TV Adaptations of Keigo Higashino’s Works

When a new adaptation of Samayou Yaiba was announced from WOWOW, I was very sure it'll outshine both Japanese & Korean film adaptations and I wasn't wrong. This J-Drama is abso-effing-lutely the best ever WOWOW production so far for me, it brought the already prevailing intensity to another level, while also being thought provoking.

This Chinese Drama adaptation is miles ahead of my expectations. The standard of the series is extremely high. It even surpasses the quality of the original novel, just to give you an idea of how superior the C-Drama is. They fleshed out the story by adding so many new details and that adds SO MUCH to the whole series. Hellamazing!

I'd have put it on first place if it weren't for the top two latest series which are mind-blowing. That's how much I love this J-Drama. Easily one of my all-time faves! It's way too dark and miserable. The bleakest drama you'll ever see, so I always warn people not to go into this unprepared. It's not for everyone. But this is Higashino's best work for me!

Another WOWOW production that is absolutely amazing. Talk about Nakatani Miki's acting here, an indisputably brilliant performance! Also every character did so well, the plot is so strong, the mystery is so engrossing, it's almost perfect! The first thing that came to my mind right after finishing the series is I NEED the English translation of the novel.

This J-Drama has everything - comedy, romance, mystery, revenge, dark tone, beautiful music, feel good vibes and siblinghood to name a few. One of the best classic doramas with a good rewatch value, I'd always enjoy it. Toda Erika, Ninomiya Kazunari and Nishikido Ryo are the best!

The reason why I love Detective Kaga so much is because of this TV series. It all started here (as far as the adaptations are concerned - Nemuri no Mori and Akai Yubi took place before he transferred to Nihonbashi in Shinzanmono) and it has been such a wonderful journey throughout. Shinzanmono is a rare among the detective genre. They changed few things from the original novel to make it more episodic but it worked really, really well here!

Manabu Yukawa is my second most favorite detective written by Keigo Higashino. The somewhat awkward chemistry between this eccentric physicist-detective and a rookie police detective, Kaoru Utsumi made the whole series so interesting and funny. Lot of mysterious crimes and they're solved scientifically and analytically.

Follow-up to the successful first season with a major change. Kaoru Utsumi replaced by Misa Kishitani. I loved the new character as well, Yuriko brought a new dimension to the character. Higashino's another novel "Salvation of a Saint" made into the last two episodes of this dorama, I would've loved a standalone feature film for that story though.

The plot is really interesting, but if I've to mention my most favorite things about this dorama it's the atmosphere and color grading plus the music of course (I love this kinda series/films so much.) Henshin is another unique experience for me. WOWOW productions never disappoint me!

Came for Higashino's mystery and Tao Tsuchiya's acting, stayed for the same reasons, ended up liking the series more than I expected. The way the plot progressed and the secrets revealed is very captivating - just Higashino things! Again, this being a WOWOW production made it even better.